Student Spotlight: Rubén Segovia Cobo

The Berklee Valencia graduate student talks about expanding his production skills, empowering artists to express their ideas, and the release of his first studio album, Plastic Boy.

Editorial Staff

June 20, 2023

What’s it like to study at Berklee? Our Student Spotlight series asks current students all about their Berklee experience—what they’re learning in class, what kinds of projects they’re involved in onstage or behind the scenes, how they recharge, and of course, what they’re listening to. This week, get to know Rubén Segovia Cobo, a graduate student from Valencia, Spain, studying music production, technology, and innovation at Berklee Valencia.

Follow Rubén on Instagram and TikTok.

Tell us about your path to Berklee. What made you decide to come here?

Although my path in music started playing guitar, very early on I realized that what I loved was producing songs and helping artists and bands to deliver their message. I love music that is able to touch or surprise me. When I produce music, I try to use all the available tools to make the message that the artist wants to deliver arrive to the audience in the best and most impactful way. After some years studying, working in studios, and freelancing as a producer, I wanted to get to know more of those tools, to have a wider production vocabulary. This is what made me want to study in this master’s program.

What's been your favorite class so far, and what has it taught you?

It's difficult. Although I would go for Hybrid Recording or Advanced Mixing, both taught by Daniel Castelar, I am going to lean towards Sound Design, taught by Simone Tanda. The reason is that this class made me understand many sound design and synthesis techniques, giving me a lot of new textures and unique possibilities for each production I approach.

What's a project you've worked on since coming to Berklee that you've been especially excited about?

I have had the chance to work with many artists I admire this year, become sound engineer for [Berklee Valencia concert series] OTR and Disrupción Records, but the project that excited me the most is my first studio LP, Plastic Boy. Making my own record has been an excuse to experiment, but also a learning process about myself, my feelings, and my behaviors. The first single is coming in October, so stay tuned!

How do you typically recharge or find new ideas outside of class?

I try to read, listen, and watch a lot of different things every week, but it is when I take a break and I am able to process all that information when I come up with new ideas. Going to the mountains, to a new city, or to a quiet place and spending some time with myself—that's it.

When you think towards your own future, who inspires you most?

The people I work with and especially my friends! Having produced artists like Xenia, Carlota, Anouck, Santas, Vez Era, and Margarita Quebrada has brought me many friendships, and seeing how we can make projects work makes me want to keep going.

What's one piece of advice you'd give to your high school self?

Stop doubting. Download Ableton.

Rubén's Current Favorite Songs

"Welcome to My Island," Caroline Polachek

This whole album is gold. Beautiful pop production.

"Otro Lado (feat. Xenia, Merina Gris)," Margarita Quebrada

I am lucky to work with these great artists from Spain. This song, produced by Vesse, is one I admire a lot. Something is coming soon with Xenia and Margarita. Stay tuned.

“Faceshopping,” SOPHIE

Mastermind. The sound design, message, and textures are pure inspiration and keep making me shake every time I listen to it.

"All the Things She Said," t.A.T.u

The production. The story behind the face of this project. Most importantly, this song was common ground between me, MinT, and Frantic-A—two very good friendships I built this year at Berklee.